Ankle Sprain Treatment

Ankle sprain treatment is a simple DIY routine that just about anyone can do. Ankle sprains result from just engaging in normal activities and also from sports participation. When you sprain your ankle, you’ll need to treat it with care so the sprain heals correctly.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

Before you start an ankle sprain treatment, you should know what a sprain actually is first. Simply put, a sprain occurs when a ligaments are twisted. Usually, swelling accompanies a sprain, along with pain and discomfort. Fortunately, it’s easy to treat an ankle sprain by following what’s known as the RICE approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).

Here’s a simple ankle sprain treatment to use until those ligaments have time to heal properly:

Give your ankle plenty of rest. You might need to use crutches to give your ankle relief from supporting your body weight. Try not to walk unless necessary and use crutches to aid in the recovery process.

Apply ice correctly. Between the first 48 to 72 hours, you’ll need to apply ice. Do so in increments of 10 to 20 minutes, applying an ice pack to your sprained ankle. Repeat this every 1 to 20 hours to combat any swelling.

Wear a compression wrap. For the first 24 to 36 (which are the most critical), you should wear a compression wrap. Wear it, but not too tight, or it will limit circulation, and that’s a bad thing.

Last but not least, keep your sprained ankle elevated. Raise it above your heart between 2 to 3 hours per day. This will lessen swelling and bruising.